Selling ebooks has become an increasingly popular way for Indian authors to reach a global audience and earn a steady income. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your publishing journey, choosing the right platform is essential to maximize visibility and earnings.
The top five platforms to consider for selling your ebooks, each offering its unique advantages for Indian writers are:
Amazon KDP is the most widely used platform for ebook publishing globally and in India. With its extensive reach, especially among English-speaking readers, KDP is an ideal choice for Indian authors. Additionally, enrolling in Kindle Unlimited allows readers to access your book through a subscription service, and you get paid based on pages read.
Pros:
# Massive global audience, including a growing reader base in India.
# Kindle Unlimited increases earning potential.
# User-friendly dashboard with real-time sales data.
# Ability to run promotions and discounted deals. DEALS
Cons:
# If you enroll in KDP Select, you must exclusively sell on Amazon.
# Royalties can be lower (35%) for ebooks priced under ₹199 ($2.99).
Google Play Books is a strong contender, particularly in markets like India, where many people use Android devices. Google Play Books allows authors to reach a vast audience without the need for exclusivity, making it possible to sell your ebook on other platforms simultaneously. The platform’s integration with the Google ecosystem ensures your book is visible to millions of Android users.
Pros:
# Huge global and Indian Android user base.
# No exclusivity clauses, so you can sell on multiple platforms.
# Accessible pricing and flexible sales strategies.
# Integrated with Google search, making discovery easier.
Cons:
# Pricing control can sometimes be erratic due to automatic discounts.
# Fewer promotional tools compared to Amazon KDP.
Barnes & Noble is a well-known name in the US, and their ebook platform, Nook Press, offers Indian authors a way to tap into the American market. While Nook is less popular internationally compared to Amazon and Google, it’s still a valuable platform for reaching dedicated Nook readers in the U.S.
Pros:
# Access to a niche but loyal U.S. reader base.
# Easy-to-use publishing platform.
# Offers competitive royalty rates of up to 65%.
# You can publish both ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks.
Cons:
# Limited market presence in India.
# Smaller global reach compared to other platforms.
Apple Books offers Indian authors a gateway to a worldwide audience, particularly in regions like North America and Europe, where Apple devices are widely used. While not as dominant as Amazon, Apple Books can be a lucrative platform, especially since it offers high royalty rates and a polished ebook reading experience for iPhone and iPad users.
Pros:
# Strong global presence among Apple users.
# No exclusivity required, allowing you to sell on multiple platforms.
# High royalty rates (70%), making it profitable.
# Ideal for multimedia or visually enhanced books.
Cons:
# Requires a Mac for direct publishing, which might be a barrier for some Indian authors.
# Fewer marketing tools compared to Amazon KDP.
Kobo has a solid international reputation and is growing its user base in India and globally. It's an excellent choice for authors aiming to reach readers beyond the U.S. market, particularly in regions like Canada, Europe, and Asia. Kobo's partnership with local bookstores helps authors gain visibility through a wide distribution network.
Pros:
# Strong presence in Canada, Europe, and growing in India.
# Authors have full control over pricing.
# No exclusivity requirements, so you can sell on other platforms simultaneously.
# Kobo partners with local bookstores, boosting discoverability.
Cons:
# Smaller market in India compared to Amazon or Google Play Books.
# Limited promotional options and tools for authors.
For Indian authors, selling ebooks on platforms like Amazon KDP and Google Play Books is a must due to their vast reach and popularity. However, diversifying your ebook distribution by also using platforms like Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo can help you tap into additional international markets. Each platform has its pros and cons, but the right choice will depend on your goals as an author and where your readers are most likely to discover your work. There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to choosing the right eBook platform to sell. With your needs in mind, by choosing the right mix of platforms, you can maximize your book's visibility and boost your earnings.